12 of the Best Yoga Brands, According to 3 Professional Instructors

Tired of wearing old sweatpants to get your flow on? Same. That's why when we finally decided it was time to upgrade our go-to gear, we reached out to professional yogis in three cities to get their top picks for yoga clothes that perform both on and off the mat. These women run some of the most popular studios in New York City, Milwaukee, and Denver, and they aren't kidding when they say they live in yoga clothes.

Even if you're just beginning your yoga practice, you've probably realized that there's no such thing as too many pairs of leggings and that quality and fit vary widely from brand to brand. With that in mind, we'll start our list with some familiar names and hopefully introduce you to a few newcomers in the fitness-apparel space, too.

Whether you're up for a stylish splurge or down to score a deal, the best yoga clothes are right this way.

1. Lululemon

Yoga expert Joanna Sesny swears by Lululemon, affectionately known as Lulu by its scores of fans. "I'm obsessed with Lulu's Align pants because they give me tons of mobility. These pants fit like a glove, but they're breathable. I love them. They're the only ones I wear," Sesny says.

Kathryn Smith, who used to work for CorePower Yoga in Denver, also lives in the Align pants. She explains, "What CorePower does is an intense workout, usually with added heat in the room, and I find the need for something comfortable that wicks sweat without expanding or stretching. The Align pants are super soft. It feels like you're wearing nothing, but they have a way of smoothing out your leg line that's super flattering. I own every length and every color. I pick them first and build my outfit around them."

2. Outdoor Voices

When it comes to picking a top, Sesny thinks outside the box with Outdoor Voices. OV is so popular, especially among Instagram-obsessed millennials and Gen Z workout enthusiasts. Outdoor Voices encourages fun over competition.

3. Athleta

Believe it or not, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a thriving yoga scene, and Suzy Weyenberg is a big part of it. Weyenberg, who owns Empower Yoga studios, swears by Athleta. "I love the diversity. I delight in opening the catalog and seeing women of all shapes, sizes, and ages," she explains.

4. Joah Brown

Joah Brown is another rising brand in the yoga-clothing market. Inspired by the no-fuss clothes in her husband's closet, Brown started designing functional, comfortable clothes in 2014 that are, in her words, "adaptable and subtly sexy with a tomboyish flare."

Smith agrees, adding, "Joah Brown has great basic pieces, crop tops, and cool fitted tank tops. They'll take you from classes to out into the day. They can be used for a workout or for lifestyle wear."

5. Alala

Alala features chic and stylish activewear pieces for the fashion person. Every piece is designed to fit right in with your wardrobe, so you can really wear these to the yoga studio and then out and about afterward. 

6. ALO Yoga

ALO Yoga encourages its followers to take their practice to the street (sometimes literally, as you can see on its colorful Instagram account). And hey, in these sleek and supportive designs, there's no reason not to!

7. Sweaty Betty

Saying yes to leg day is easy in Sweaty Betty's colorful line of sculpting leggings. This British athleisure brand has been a favorite across the pond for over 15 years, inspiring women to "find empowerment through fitness."

8. Zella

When it's time to take a break from basic designs, we look to Zella, Nordstrom's cult-favorite in-house brand of stylish athletic apparel for women. Its collection of pretty, soft hues in solids or subtle patterns always sparks joy in the yoga studio.

9. Girlfriend Collective

There are two major reasons we love Girlfriend Collective: The first is that its products are legitimately amazing and come in a wide range of sizes. The second is that it uses recycled materials and supports safe, ethical working conditions for its factory workers who sew these exceptional garments.

10. Beyond Yoga

Yogis love the multipurpose pieces from Beyond Yoga, including this sleek jumpsuit that can take you from the studio to the office to a night out. Just be sure to change up your outerwear and accessories in between.

11. Core 10

You might be surprised to learn that Core 10 is a size-inclusive Amazon in-house label, ranging from XS to 3X. It is also an affordable go-to brand for structured black basics and soft neutrals. Plus, you can have them in your hand ASAP with Amazon Prime shipping. Or try them on without commitment with Prime Try Before You Buy. 

12. Jade

Finally, every yogi needs a high-quality mat, and Jade mats are Weyenberg's favorite, for both the quality and the company's green focus. "When you buy a mat, Jade plants a tree," explains the brand. It sounds like a win-win to us!